Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings – Springfield, NJ
Basic Care for Lifelong Healthy Smiles
Would you like to know the secret to having a healthy smile? It doesn’t take grandiose actions or effort—just simple, consistent healthy habits. Brushing and flossing every day at home are critical, but you can miss some spots of bacteria and plaque, which can quickly harden and wreak havoc if allowed to stay. In addition to your daily oral routine, dental checkups and teeth cleanings in our Springfield, NJ dental office twice every year can ensure that your mouth stays free from decay, infection, and other issues. Dr. Henkin and the rest of our team are dedicated to making your strong smile last a lifetime!
Why Choose Skyline Dental for Dental Checkups & Cleanings?
- Over 10 Years of Dentistry Experience
- All Ages Welcome
- Advanced Technology for Comfortable, Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment
Why You Need Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings
Oral problems can be sneaky. Many times you don’t notice any unusual symptoms or feel discomfort while they are in the early stages of development. And unlike some medical conditions, oral problems do not get better over time; they just get worse! Later, once the issue has progressed and caused significant damage, it often includes severe pain and requires intensive treatment to fix. Your semiannual visit with Dr. Henkin is a powerful opportunity to stop these problems in their tracks. She can identify them while they are still small and easily treated—before they cause you and your smile harm.
Regardless of how thoroughly you brush and floss your teeth, chances are that you will still have some spots of tartar accumulation over time. Within hours, the white, sticky, bacteria-filled film called plaque tends to harden in places that are difficult to reach in your daily oral care, such as between your teeth and near the gumline. Once tartar has formed, it becomes more challenging to remove. In these locations, the bacteria can have free reign and more easily attack your teeth and gums. That’s why getting a professional dental cleaning is so important! We have the training and tools to address these deposits and keep bacteria from starting a problem in the first place.
What to Expect during a Dental Checkup & Teeth Cleaning
During your appointment, Dr. Henkin will first take a little bit of time to get to know you and ask you about your concerns and needs. Then, she will examine every aspect of your oral cavity: individual teeth, your gums, your soft and hard palates, your jaw, your tongue, and more. Looking for any signs of trouble, she will also inspect your digital X-rays, which can reveal problems that lurk below the surface or out of view. In addition, she will measure the depths of the gaps between your teeth and gums to check for gum disease. If she discovers tooth decay, gum disease, potential symptoms of oral cancer, or another problem, she will show and explain her findings to you and give you treatment options.
Has it been a while since you’ve seen the dentist for a checkup and cleaning? Get your smile back on track today by scheduling your appointment at Skyline Dental.
Dental Checkups and Teeth Cleanings FAQs
What should I expect if I haven’t been to the dentist in years?
If it has been several years since your last dental checkup and teeth cleaning, you probably have a few questions on your mind, including what to expect. In addition to having you fill out some paperwork, we will take new X-rays, complete a visual exam, and thoroughly clean your teeth and gums. This may take a little longer than usual since it’s been some time since your last visit. However, you don’t have to worry – our friendly, compassionate, and non-judgmental dental team will go above and beyond to make your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
How often should I receive oral cancer screenings?
We complete an oral cancer screening during each checkup (so every six months). However, the process is usually so quick that patients don’t even notice! We’ll simply take a look at your tongue, the soft tissue in your mouth, and your throat, looking for sores, rough patches, and other warning signs of trouble in the process. If we see anything concerning, we will bring it to your attention and let you know how we recommend proceeding.
How often do I need to get dental X-rays?
Typically, bitewing X-rays are completed once a year. Panoramic X-rays, on the other hand, are usually taken every 3-5 years. These give us insight into developmental issues, like impacted wisdom teeth.
Is it okay to only visit the dentist once a year?
The American Dental Association recommends scheduling a dental visit every six months. There are several benefits to biannual appointments, including that they allow dental hygienists to routinely clean the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth and remove built-up tartar. This also ensures that your dentist can periodically screen for oral cancer, examine any existing dental work, and catch gum disease and other common oral health problems in the early stages.
Why do dentists recommend fluoride treatment after dental cleanings?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can strengthen dental enamel, reduce dental sensitivity, and even help prevent cavities. If your dentist thinks that you’d benefit from these perks, then they will recommend a fluoride treatment following your dental cleaning! The process usually only takes a few minutes. However, you shouldn’t eat anything for the next hour.
How can I make dental checkups and teeth cleanings more affordable?
If you have dental insurance, we have good news: most providers cover 100% of the cost of preventive care, including routine checkups and cleanings. Plus, if you don’t have dental insurance, there are other ways you can make the price more affordable. At Skyline Dental, we welcome flexible financing with CareCredit and offer periodic promotions, like a $155 special for new patients without insurance. If you’d like more details, simply let us know when you call to schedule your appointment!